East High School rushes to fix damages caused by flash flooding

(KUTV) A race against the clock at East High School as crews are trying to prepare for the first day of school, after major flooding caused millions of dollars in damage.

"12 hours a day seven days a week to put this school together," Paul Schulte, the executive director of auxiliaries with the Salt Lake City School District, said. "I've been in education for 30 years and I've never seen anything quite like this."

It was just over two weeks ago when the heavy rain came pouring down turning the street into a river and sending the water right into the basement of the school.

The water destroyed walls, floors, equipment and school furniture and supplies. One of the worst places hit was the kitchen that serves 1,200 meals on the first day of school.

Due to the large number of students East High needs to feed, the cafeteria became a top priority to get done by next week so they can start bringing in food supplies.

Considering all the damage and work that needs to be done, Schulte says students and parents can rest assured that East High School will be up and running when the first school bell sounds.

"We will still have some things to do, but it will be safe it will be clean," Schulte said. And that includes a food pantry and clothing room for students in need.

The storm destroyed much of the food and clothing, but thanks to an out pouring of community support including a major donation from the Smiths grocery store just down the street from East High.

"These kids depend on this stuff, they depend on us having the food," Lexi DuBell, the PTA president said.